Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

A portable power charger having an internal rechargeable battery includes
a charger housing having at least power connection port and a flashlight
portion having at least one flashlight bulb. The power connection port is
operatively connected to the rechargeable battery and can be used to
connect the charger with an external power source, an electronic device,
or both. The flashlight is operatively connected to the internal battery
as well, either via a direct connection, via the power connection port,
or via a dedicated rechargeable flashlight battery unit that can be
recharged from the battery unit of the power charger. The power
connection port can act in a power input mode when the charger is
connected with an external power source via the power connection port and
in a power output mode when at least one electronic device is connected
to the charger via the power connection port.

Claims:

1. A portable charger for recharging at least one electronic device
having a rechargeable internal battery, said portable charger unit
comprising: a charger housing internally storing a rechargeable battery;
and at least one power connection port operatively connected to the
internal battery capable of acting as at least one of a power input and a
power output depending on what is connected to the charger unit via the
power connection port; and a flashlight portion including at least one
bulb operatively connected to the internal battery, wherein said
flashlight portion is removably attached to the charger housing.

2. The portable charger according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
power connection port comprises a first power connection port operatively
connected to the internal battery capable of acting as a power input and
a power output depending on what is connected to the charger via the
first power connection port; wherein said charger acts as a power input
when the first power connection port is connected to an external power
source that provides an electrical charge to the charger for recharging
the internal battery when the charger is connected to said power source
via the first power connection port; and wherein said charger acts as a
power output when the first power connection port is connected to at
least one electronic device, and a charger is provided from the internal
battery of the charger to the at least one electronic device to recharge
the internal battery of said electronic device when said electronic
device is connected to the charger via the first power connection port.

3. The portable charger according to claim 2, further comprising a
connector cable capable of connecting the charger with an external power
source and at least one electronic device at the same time via the first
power connection port.

4. The portable charger according to claim 1, further comprising a
connector cable capable of connecting the charger with at least one
electronic device via the at least one power connection port, wherein the
charger automatically turns on when a first end of the connector cable is
connected to the at least one power connection port and the at least one
electronic device is connected to a second end of the connector cable.

5. The portable charger according to claim 4, wherein the charger unit
automatically turns off when the internal battery of the at least one
electronic device connected to the charger via the at least one power
connection port is fully charged.

6. The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the charger
automatically turns off after a predesignated time delay following the
internal battery of the at least one electronic device being fully
charged.

7. The portable charger according to claim 1, further comprising a
control button for the flashlight bulb.

8. The portable charger according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
power connection port comprises a first power connection port; and
wherein the flashlight portion can be disengaged from the charger housing
to expose the first power connection port provided on the charger
housing.

9. The portable charger according to claim 8, wherein the flashlight
portion includes a male connection interface for engagement with the
first power connection port of the charger housing when the flashlight
portion is attached to the charger housing.

10. The portable charger according to claim 9, further comprising a
second rechargeable battery unit provided in the flashlight portion to
control operation of the flashlight bulb, said second battery unit being
operatively connected between the flashlight bulb and the internal
battery unit of the charger and being rechargeable when the male
connection interface of the flashlight portion is engaged with the first
power connection port of the charger housing.

11. The portable charger according to claim 1, further comprising a
second rechargeable battery unit operatively connected between the
flashlight bulb and the internal battery unit of the charger, said second
battery unit being used to control operation of the flashlight portion of
the charger.

12. A portable charger for recharging at least one electronic device
having a rechargeable internal battery, said portable charger unit
comprising: a charger housing internally storing a rechargeable battery;
and at least one power connection port operatively connected to the
internal battery capable of acting as at least one of a power input and a
power output depending on what is connected to the charger unit via the
power connection port; and a flashlight portion removably connected to
the charger housing and including at least one bulb.

13. The portable charger according to claim 12, wherein the flashlight
portion can be disengaged from the charger housing to expose the at least
one power connection port provided on the charger housing.

14. The portable charger according to claim 13, wherein the flashlight
portion includes a male connection interface for engagement with the at
least one power connection port of the charger housing when the
flashlight portion is attached to the charger housing such that the
flashlight portion of the charger is powered by the internal battery of
the charger.

15. The portable charger according to claim 14, further comprising a
second rechargeable battery unit provided in the flashlight portion to
control operation of the flashlight bulb, said second battery unit being
operatively connected between the flashlight bulb and the internal
battery unit of the charger and being rechargeable when the male
connection interface of the flashlight portion is engaged with the at
least one power connection port of the charger housing.

16. The portable charger according to claim 13, wherein the flashlight
portion remains attached to the charger housing even when it is
disengaged from the charger housing to expose the at least one power
connection port.

17. The portable charger according to claim 12, further comprising a
second rechargeable battery unit operatively connected between the
flashlight bulb and the internal battery unit of the charger, said second
battery unit being used to control operation of the flashlight portion of
the charger.

18. The portable charger according to claim 12, wherein the at least one
power connection port comprises a first power connection port operatively
connected to the internal battery capable of acting as a power input and
a power output depending on what is connected to the charger via the
first power connection port, said first power connection port being
exposed for use when the flashlight portion is disengaged from the
charger housing; wherein said charger acts as a power input when the
first power connection port is connected to an external power source that
provides an electrical charge to the charger for recharging the internal
battery when the charger is connected to said power source via the first
power connection port; and wherein said charger acts as a power output
when the first power connection port is connected to at least one
electronic device, and a charger is provided from the internal battery of
the charger to the at least one electronic device to recharge the
internal battery of said electronic device when said electronic device is
connected to the charger via the first power connection port.

19. A portable charger for recharging at least one electronic device
having a rechargeable internal battery, said portable charger unit
comprising: a charger housing internally storing a first rechargeable
battery; at least one power connection port operatively connected to the
internal battery capable of acting as at least one of a power input and a
power output depending on what is connected to the charger unit via the
power connection port; and a flashlight portion removably connected to
the charger housing and including at least one bulb operatively connected
to a second rechargeable battery unit disposed within the flashlight
portion; wherein the second battery unit is operatively connected with
the first battery unit when the flashlight portion is connected to the
charger housing.

20. The portable charger unit according to claim 19, wherein the
flashlight portion can be disengaged from the charger housing to expose
the at least one power connection port provided on the charger housing.

21. The portable charger according to claim 20, wherein the flashlight
portion includes a male connection interface for engagement with the at
least one power connection port of the charger housing when the
flashlight portion is attached to the charger housing such that the
second battery unit of the flashlight portion is operatively connected to
the first internal battery of the charger for recharging.

22. The portable charger according to claim 20, wherein the flashlight
portion remains attached to the charger housing even when it is
disengaged from the charger housing to expose the at least one power
connection port.

23. The portable charger according to claim 19, wherein the at least one
power connection port comprises a first power connection port operatively
connected to the first internal battery capable of acting as a power
input and a power output depending on what is connected to the charger
via the first power connection port, said first power connection port
being exposed for use when the flashlight portion is disengaged from the
charger housing; wherein said charger acts as a power input when the
first power connection port is connected to an external power source that
provides an electrical charge to the charger for recharging the first
internal battery when the charger is connected to said power source via
the first power connection port; and wherein said charger acts as a power
output when the first power connection port is connected to at least one
electronic device, and a charger is provided from the first internal
battery of the charger to the at least one electronic device to recharge
the internal battery of said electronic device when said electronic
device is connected to the charger via the first power connection port.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/800,825, filed Mar. 13, 2013 which is a Continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/682,985, filed Nov. 21, 2012, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/733,145, filed Dec. 4, 2012, which are
incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to power chargers for
electronic devices, and more particularly relates to a portable charger
having a flashlight, a two-way charging interface capable of operating in
a power input mode and a power output mode, and other features that
improve upon its use and functionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Present day consumers typically own several electronic devices
specifically designed for portability and use on-the-go, including, for
example, a mobile phone or smart phone, a portable music player like an
iPod® or an MP3 player, a tablet, a portable gaming unit, and the
like. Each of these devices requires frequent recharging. Such electronic
devices typically utilize a cable for connecting the device to a power
source, such as a wall outlet, a car charger, an airplane charger, or a
computer. However, a separate cable is usually required for each power
source. Moreover, different electronic devices often utilize different
connection ports and interfaces such that a single charging cable is not
compatible with multiple devices. Accordingly, a tech-savvy consumer,
with several electronic devices, will usually have multiple charging
cables to keep track of. Even then, the consumer may be without
sufficient power to recharge a phone due to bad weather or a power
outage, or may not always be in a place where a power source is readily
available, or even if so, may not have the appropriate cable or adapter
available to use with a particular power source.

[0004] With traditional power sources, such as those noted above, it is
difficult to charge multiple devices at the same time, especially where
each device requires a separate charging cable. For example, a car
charger port will only handle a single cable at a time. Adaptor devices
are available on the market for connecting multiple devices to a power
source at the same time--for example, a two-to-one or three-to-one car
charger splitter. However, such adapters are often only compatible with
certain interfaces. Moreover, such adapters are separate from portable
power sources and tend to be bulky.

[0005] Similarly, interface attachments are also available for adapting a
charging cable for use with a variety of devices for recharging from a
power source, each with a different interface. However, such attachments
are usually separate pieces, and therefore difficult to keep track of
when not in use. Further, use of such attachments does not solve the
problem presented by the need to charge multiple devices at the same
time, from the same power source, as oftentimes, only one attachment can
be used with a charging cable at a time.

[0006] Existing power charger devices also usually cannot charge multiple
devices at the same time. Even if multiple devices may be attached to the
power charger at the same time, the charger will prioritize how the
devices are recharged--i.e., it will charge one device first and then the
second, and so on. However, this approach takes a long time to recharge
all devices and risks not having sufficient charge remaining in the
charger for fully charging the second device.

[0007] Further, some portable charger devices will not permit recharging
from the charger when the charger is itself being recharged or connected
to an external power source. Such devices require the charger unit to be
disconnected from a power source before a charge will be passed on to a
device connected to the charger, or require the charger unit to be fully
charged first before any device connected to the charger unit can be
recharged.

[0008] Additionally, such portable charger devices typically require a
dedicated input port for recharging the internal battery and a separate
output port dedicated for recharging electrical devices from the internal
battery. More particularly, such charging devices often require multiple
output ports for recharging multiple electronic devices at the same time.
The addition of extra charging ports compromises the size and design of
the charger unit, for example, a unit with a dedicated input port and two
or more output ports would need to be larger than a charger unit with
just a single port due to the need to properly arrange the electronics
for operation of the charger as desired.

[0009] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a charger that can be
used to charge a variety of electronic devices, including but not limited
to smart phones, mobile phones, data tablets, music players, cameras,
camcorders, gaming units, e-books, Bluetooth® headsets and earpieces,
GPS devices, and the like, either individually or collectively in various
combinations. Additionally, there is a need for such a charger that is
portable, has a compact size, and is easy to use in various conditions
and locations to charge one or more electronic devices simultaneously,
including but not limited to in a house or office, a car or an airplane.
Still further, there is a need for a portable charger having a port that
can act both as an input port for recharging an internal battery unit in
the charger and as an output port for recharging an electronic device
connected to the charger. Still further, there is a need for a portable
charger that can recharge the internal battery from an external power
source at the same time as an electronic device connected to the charger,
even while both the external power source and the electronic device are
connected to the charger through the same port. Still further, there is a
need for a portable charger unit in a compact size that has increased
functionality for a user requiring a portable source of power.
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a
portable charger that improves upon conventional power chargers currently
on the market and that overcomes the problems and drawbacks associated
with such prior art chargers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a portable charger is
provided for charging one or more electronic devices. In general, a
portable charger kit may comprise a portable charger unit having an
internal rechargeable battery unit for connecting to and recharging one
or more electronic device, as necessary, and a connector cable for
connecting the power charger unit with an external power source, or at
least one electronic device, or both.

[0011] In a first aspect of the present invention, the charger unit
comprises a charger housing and a rechargeable battery unit disposed
therein and operatively connected to at least one power connection port
that can operate as either a power input (for providing an electrical
charge from an external power source for recharging the internal battery
unit when the charger unit is connected to the external power source) or
a power output (for charging the internal batteries of other electronic
devices from the rechargeable battery unit) or both. The charger further
comprises a flashlight powered from the internal battery unit.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present invention, the charger unit
comprises a charger housing with a flashlight portion, or cap, including
a flashlight, that is removably connected to the charger housing. The
charger housing also comprises a power connection port operatively
connected with a rechargeable battery unit disposed within the charger
housing. The flashlight portion of the charger unit includes a connection
interface that is removably connected to the power connection port. When
the flashlight portion is attached to the charger housing via the power
connection port, the flashlight can be powered by the internal battery of
the charger unit. When the flashlight portion is removed from the charger
housing, the power connection port is exposed for connection to an
external power source, at least one electronic device, or both. In
embodiments of the present invention, the flashlight portion can remain
connected to the charger housing by some means, for example by a tether,
even when disengaged from the power connection port.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present invention, the charger unit
comprises a charger housing with a flashlight portion, or cap, including
a flashlight, that is removably connected to the charger housing. Each of
the charger housing and the flashlight portion includes its own
respective rechargeable battery unit. When the flashlight portion is
connected to the charger housing, for example, via a power connection
port, the flashlight battery unit is recharged from the charger battery
unit. When the flashlight portion is removed from the charger housing,
the flashlight can be used separate from the charger--for example, when
the charger is connected via a power connection port to an external power
source, at least one electronic device, or both.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the charger unit
comprises a charger housing with a power connection port which can
operate as a two-way charging interface. A rechargeable battery unit is
disposed within the charger housing and is operatively connected with the
power connection port, which may act as a power input (for providing an
electrical charge from an external power source for recharging the
internal battery unit when the charger unit is connected to the external
power source), and which may act as a power output (for charging the
internal batteries of other electronic devices from the rechargeable
battery unit). The charger further includes a controller or processing
unit that determines which operational mode the power connection port is
in based on what is connected to the port.

[0015] In the various embodiments of a charger unit in accordance with the
present invention, multiple power connection ports can be provided on the
charger housing, including connection ports dedicated to power input,
connection ports dedicated to power output, and/or connection ports
comprising a two-way charging interface.

[0016] The charger unit is portable as a result of the small size of the
housing. Despite the small size of the unit, the power capacity is very
high so that the charger can accommodate multiple electronic devices at
the same time via the common power connection port. Similarly, the
charger can utilize a common two-way power connection port to connect the
internal battery unit to an external power source for recharging while
simultaneously connecting the charger to one or more electronic devices
for recharging via the power connection port.

[0017] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the charger unit
automatically turns on when it is connected with an electronic device
needing charging. More particularly, the charger unit detects the
presence of a connector cable in connection with the power connection
port, as well as the presence of an electronic device on the other end of
the connector cable to draw power from the charger unit via the connector
cable. Such technology utilizes an internal switch disposed within the
charger housing and operatively connected to the rechargeable battery
unit that actuates to an "on" position when the appropriate conditions
are met.

[0018] In various embodiments of the present invention, the charger unit
may further comprise a controller and internal logic, which can sense the
connection of one or more electronic devices with the charger via the
power connection port, determine if the charger is connected to an
external power source via the power connection port, and coordinate
operation of the power connection port as either a power input or a power
output, or both. In preferred embodiments, the power connection port can
be used as a conduit for charging the internal battery unit from an
external power source and as a conduit for charging electronic devices
from the charger, often at the same time.

[0019] In an embodiment of the charger unit of the present invention, a
connector cable, having multiple connection interfaces, is attached to
the charger housing via the power connection port of the charger unit.
Preferably, the connector cable includes a power interface for connecting
the cable with the two-way power connection interface of the charger, one
interface for connection with an external power source for directly
recharging the internal rechargeable battery unit in the charger, and at
least one interface for connection with an electronic device for
recharging from the internal battery unit or directly from the external
power source when the connector cable is connected to the electronic
device, the portable charger and the external power source at the same
time.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, a squid connector cable
is provided for facilitating connection of one or more electronic devices
to the portable charger unit or another power source. In a preferred
embodiment, the squid connector comprises a USB connector adapted to
engage the power connection port of the portable charger unit or any
other device with a USB port; a connection interface for connection of
the cable with an external power source, for example, a traditional plug
interface for connection with a wall socket, a car charger interface for
connection with a car charger socket, an airplane charger interface for
connection with an airplane charger socket, and a standard USB interface
for connection with a USB port on a power source such as a computer; and
multiple connector interfaces adaptable for connection with various
electronic devices. The power supply connection interfaces can be
interchangeable.

[0021] An advantage of providing multiple connector interfaces on a common
connector cable is that several electronic devices can be charged at the
same time. Additionally, the portable charger unit can be connected to an
external power source and several electronic devices at the same time,
both for charging the electronic devices and recharging the internal
battery unit of the portable charger. Moreover, multiple connector
interfaces can be designed to attach to and accommodate various types of
devices, including smart phones, mobile phones, data tablets, music
players, cameras, camcorders, gaming units, e-books, Bluetooth®
headsets, GPS devices, and the like. The connector interfaces can be
interchangeable.

[0022] The present invention is also directed to a method for using a
portable power charger having a rechargeable internal battery that is
operatively connected to a power connection port capable of operating in
a power input mode and a power output mode. In accordance with an
embodiment of the method, the power charger is connected to a first end
of a connector cable via the power connection port of the power charger.
The power charger is placed in the power input mode if a second end of
the connector cable is connected to an external power source, whereby an
electrical charge is provided to the internal battery of the power
charger form the external power source to recharge the internal battery.
The power charger is placed in the power output mode if the second end of
the connector cable is connected to at least one electronic device having
an internal battery, whereby an electrical charge is provided from the
internal battery of the power charger to recharge the internal battery of
the at least one electronic device.

[0023] In accordance with another embodiment of the method, the power
charger includes a rechargeable internal battery and a processing unit
each connected to a power connection port. The processing unit determines
if a connector cable is connected to the power connection port, and if
so, also determines if the connector cable is connected to at least one
of (i) an external power source supplying an electrical charge through
the connector cable, and (ii) an electronic device attempting to draw an
electrical charge through the connector cable. If both conditions are
met, the power charger is turned on. In another aspect of the method, the
power charger is shut off if the internal battery of the power charger is
fully charged and if the internal battery of any electronic device
connected to the power charger via the connector cable is fully charged.

[0024] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent in light of the detailed description of
embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable
charger in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a planar side view of the portable charger of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows another planar side view of the portable charger of
FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a planar top view of the portable charger of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a planar end view of the portable charger of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a connector cable that may be
used with a portable charger unit in accordance with the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] A portable charger in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 1-5, and generally designated by reference
numeral 10. As illustrated, the charger 10 comprises a charger housing 12
having a rechargeable internal battery 50 (as illustrated in FIG. 6) for
recharging one or more electronic devices via at least one power
connection port and a flashlight portion 80 comprises at least one
flashlight bulb 82 for projecting light from the charger housing 12. The
portable charger concepts described herein can be used with a connector
cable 20 having multiple connection interfaces for connecting the charger
unit with an external power source for recharging the internal battery
unit and one or more electronic devices for recharging from the charger
unit, as necessary, such as illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0041] The portable charger in accordance with the present invention may
have a variety of designs, including the embodiments discussed and
illustrated herein, and may be provided with connector cables, connection
interfaces and adapters suitable for recharging the internal battery of
the charger unit and recharging the batteries of various electronic
devices connected thereto. For example, alternative designs for the
portable charger unit are illustrated and described in co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/571,992, filed Aug. 10, 2012, and Ser. No.
13/682,985, filed Nov. 21, 2012, which share common inventors with the
present application and which are incorporated herein by reference. Such
designs as shown in those applications can be provided with the features
described herein, including specifically a flashlight portion for
increasing the functionality of the power charger.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the charger housing 12 includes a first
power connection port 14, a second power connection port 16, and a power
control switch 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the first power connection port 14
generally takes the form of a USB port, but can take the form of any
known interface for connecting a device with a power source or another
electronic device, including but not limited to a mini-USB interface, a
micro-USB interface, or an AC-to-DC connector interface. Referring to
FIG. 3, the second power connection port 16 generally takes the form of a
micro-USB port, but likewise can take the form of any known interface for
connecting a device with a power source or another electronic device,
including but not limited to a USB interface, a mini-USB interface, or an
AC-to-DC connector interface. In alternative embodiments, such as
illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a charger 110 or 210 can comprise a charger
housing 112 or 212 that uses a single power connection port 114 or 214
that operates as a two-way charging interface, such as described in
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/682,985, incorporated herein by
reference. Still further, alternate designs of charger housings for a
charger in accordance with the present invention can be provided with
additional power connection ports, as desired, that can operate as
dedicated power inputs, dedicated power outputs, or two-way charging
interfaces.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, the power connection ports 14 and 16 of the
charger 10 are in operative communication with the internal rechargeable
battery unit 50 disposed within the charger housing 12, which is further
in operative communication with the power control switch 18. Thus, the
user can actuate the switch 18 to an "On" position to provide a charge to
an electronic device via a power connection port to which the electronic
device is connected. As shown in FIG. 6, the power control switch 18 can
effect actuation of an internal switch 52 to begin supplying a charge via
a power connection port--e.g., port 14. When the electronic device is
fully charged, the power control switch 18 can be actuated to an "Off"
position to stop sending a charge from the internal battery 50 and
preserve the battery's charge level. When the power control switch 18 is
moved to the "Off" position, it can effect opening of the internal switch
52.

[0044] Additionally, the power control switch 18 can be used to control
the charge sent to the internal battery unit 50 from an external power
source. That is, when the switch 18 is in its "On" position, a charge can
be provided from an external power source to the internal battery unit 50
for recharging, for example, from power connection port 16.

[0045] In alternative embodiments, the charger unit 10 can utilize an
automatic power on/power off methodology, such as described in co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/682,985, incorporated herein by reference,
whereby the charger unit 10 automatically turns on to provide a charge to
an electronic device connected to the charger unit 10 or receive a charge
to recharge the internal battery 50 when the charger unit 10 is connected
to an external power source, and automatically turn off when the internal
battery unit 50 is fully charged and the respective battery units of
electronic devices connected to the charger unit 10 are fully charged as
well. In such a design, as illustrated in FIG. 7, operation of the
charger unit 10 is controlled by the internal switch 52, which operates
in accordance with internal logic 54 provided in a controller/processing
unit 56 of the charger 10. An external power control switch (such as
switch 18 or the like) may still be provided for such a design as a
manual back-up or override--for example, if the user wants to manually
turn off the charger 10 to preserve battery instead of waiting for the
internal battery unit 50 or an electronic device connected thereto are
fully charged.

[0046] Still further, the charger 10 can be designed so that the power
control switch 18 controls the charge provided from the charger unit 10
to an electronic device connected to the charger unit 10, but where the
charge provided to the charger unit 10 from an external power source is
automatically provided to the rechargeable internal battery upon
connected of the charger unit with the external power source.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, the charger 10 includes a flashlight portion
80 comprising a flashlight bulb or bulbs 82 at one end of the charger
housing 12. Preferably, the flashlight comprises at least one LED bulb 82
mounted within the charger housing 12, with a magnifier lens 84 provided
on the end of the housing 12 to project light from the charger 10 for use
as a flashlight. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the flashlight
bulb 82 is operatively connected with the rechargeable battery unit 50 of
the charger 10 and the power control switch 18. The illustrated power
control switch 18 is designed as a two-way switch, and thus controls
operation of the flashlight 80 in addition to the power charger 10, as
described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the switch 18 can be
actuated in one direction to control use of the charger 10 to supply
and/or receive a power charge, and in an opposite direction to control
use of the flashlight 80 (i.e., turn the flashlight bulb 82 "on" or
"off"). As so designed, the switch 18 has an intermediate "off" position,
where neither the charger 10 nor the flashlight 80 are "on". In alternate
embodiments of the present invention, such as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 13,
a dedicated power control button or switch (118, 218 and 318) can be
provided for operation of the flashlight portion 80 separate from
operation of the power charger, allowing use of a flashlight while the
charger is being used.

[0048] In accordance with intended operation of the portable charger 10
shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention, a user has the
option of recharging one or more electronic devices from a standard power
source, such as a computer, a wall socket, a car power outlet, or an
airplane power outlet, or using the charger unit 10 when a standard power
source is not readily available. For example, the charger 10 of the
present invention can be used to charge smart phones, mobile phones, data
tablets, music players, cameras, camcorders, gaming units, e-books,
Bluetooth® headsets and earpieces, GPS devices, and the like, either
individually or collectively in various combinations when the user is
away from a standard power source. To do so, an electronic device can be
connected to the charger unit 10 using a connector cable 20, such as
illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 15, the connector cable 20 includes a first end 22
with a USB interface 24 for connection with the first power connection
port 14 of the charger unit 10. A free second end 26 of the connector
cable 20 can be connected with an electronic device. When the connector
cable 20 is connected in this manner, the electronic device can be
recharged from the rechargeable battery unit 50 of the charger unit 10,
which is helpful in situations where a standard power source is not
readily available or if power is lost due to weather or an outage. As
illustrated, the free second end 26 comprises a coaxial interface 28
designed for receiving interchangeable modular adapter pieces 30a, 30b
and 30c, each having a different interface designed for connection with
various electronic devices. For example, the first adapter piece 30a
shown in FIG. 4 comprises a micro-USB interface, the second adapter piece
30b comprises a mini-USB interface, and the third adapter piece 30c
comprises 30-pin interface. A free third end 32 of the connector cable 20
can be likewise connected with an electronic device for recharging that
device. Alternatively, one of the second end 26 and the third end 32
could be connected to an external power source while the other free end
is connected to an electronic device, as described in more detail below,
provided the first power connection port 14 is a two-way charging
interface.

[0050] Another connector cable can be connected to the second power
connection port 16. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 6, a connector cable
is connected to the first power connection port 14 for providing a charge
from the charger unit 10 to one or more electronic devices, while a
connector cable is connected to the second power connection port 16 for
recharging the internal battery unit 50 of the charger 10. In alternate
embodiments of the portable charger unit, such as illustrated in FIGS. 8,
9 and 13, a single power connection port 114, 214 or 314 is provided, and
a connector cable (such as cable 20 shown in FIG. 15) can be used to
connect the charger unit 110, 210 or 310 with an external power source
and one or more electronic devices via the singular connection port, as
desired, including simultaneously.

[0051] As further shown in FIG. 15, the free third end 32 of the connector
cable 20 comprises a USB interface 34 for connection with an external
power source (such as a computer), or alternatively, with another
electronic device while the free second end 26 is already connected with
an electronic device. As illustrated, various interchangeable modular
adapters or power supply connection interfaces 36a, 36b and 36c can be
added on the free third end 32 of the connector cable 20. Such adapter
pieces 36 may comprise a plug 36a for engagement with a wall socket, a
car charger interface 36b for engagement with a car charger socket, and
an airplane charger interface 36c for engagement with an airplane charger
socket. The illustrated interfaces are shown in certain forms for
illustration purposes, and can take the form of any known interface for
connecting devices via a connector cable, including but not limited to a
USB interface, a mini-USB interface, a micro-USB interface, an AC-to-DC
connector interface, or the like. Further, the connector cable 20 can
include additional free ends for connection with still further electronic
devices as desired. For example, the portable charger unit of the present
invention can be used with the squid connector shown and described in
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/571,992, incorporated herein by
reference.

[0052] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 6, to recharge the internal battery
unit 50 of the charger 10 from an external power source, a connector
cable is connected with the external power source and also with the
second power connection port 16.

[0053] In accordance with the present invention, the charger unit is
readily portable as a result of the small size of the housing. Despite
the small size of the unit, the power capacity is very high so that the
charger can accommodate multiple electronic devices at the same time.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, the charger unit 10 comprises a rechargeable
battery unit 50 disposed within the charger housing 12. In preferred
embodiments, the rechargeable battery unit 50 is a Lithium-Ion battery
that can be recharged by connecting the charger unit 10 to an external
power source, such as a computer, a wall socket, a car or an airplane
power supply, using a power connector attached to the second power
connection port 16 of the charger unit 10. For example, the power
connector can be a connector cable, such as described above, having a
mini-USB interface on one end for insertion into the second power
connection port 16 of the charger unit 10 and a standard USB interface on
the free opposite end for insertion into a USB port of a computer.
Alternatively, the USB interface of the cable can be inserted into
various adapter pieces or an adapter unit, as mentioned above, for
connection to a standard power source, such as a wall-socket via a
standard U.S. plug or a variety of foreign plug styles, a car charger
socket--e.g., a cigarette lighter socket--via a car charger interface, or
an airplane charger socket via an airplane charger interface.

[0055] The rechargeable battery unit 50 is operatively connected with the
second power connection port 16 for recharging the battery 50 when the
charger unit 10 is connected to an external power source via the second
power connection port 16. That is, an electrical charge can come into the
charger 10 via the port 16 and sent to the internal battery unit 50 for
recharging. In this regard, the second power connection port 16 acts as a
power input.

[0056] The rechargeable battery unit 50 is also operatively connected with
the first power connection port 14 for recharging electronic devices
connected to the charger unit 10 via the first power connection port 14
from the rechargeable battery unit 50. That is, an electrical charge can
be sent from the battery unit 50 to electronic devices connected to the
charger 10 via the port 14. In this regard, the first power connection
port 14 acts as a power output.

[0057] The rechargeable battery unit 50 is also operatively connected to
the flashlight portion 80 of the charger unit 10. This permits use of the
flashlight 80 when it is dark, which can help in use of the charger 10 so
that all the components, cables, connection ports, connector interfaces
and adapters can be seen to ensure proper engagement and thus proper
operation of the charger unit 10. In alternate embodiments, such as
illustrated in FIGS. 13-14, a second rechargeable battery unit 60 can be
provided for the flashlight portion 380 of the charger unit 310 so that
the flashlight portion 380 can continue to be used separate from the
charger housing 312. Preferably, such a second battery unit 60 is
connectable to the internal battery unit 50 of the charger unit 310 for
recharging.

[0058] The power charger unit of the present invention can alternately
utilize a two-way charging interface, such as described and illustrated
in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/682,985, incorporated herein
by reference. As shown, for example, in FIG. 8, a portable power charger
110 includes a charger housing 112 having a single power connection port
114 that operates as a two-way charging interface that operates as both a
power input and a power output during operation of the charger unit 110.
In accordance with the present invention, the internal battery unit 50 of
the charger 110 can be recharged and electronic devices connected with
the charger 110 can be recharged, all from the same power connection port
114. Though only shown in FIG. 8 with a single connection port 114, the
present invention can be used with additional portable power chargers
that have additional input ports, output ports, or two-way connection
ports, such as described herein.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, the charger unit 110 also includes a
flashlight portion 180 comprising a flashlight bulb or bulbs 182 at one
end of the charger housing 112. Preferably, the flashlight 180 comprises
at least one LED bulb 182 mounted within the charger housing 112, with a
magnifier lens 184 provided on the end of the housing 112 to project
light from the charger 110 for use as a flashlight. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 8, the flashlight bulb 182 is operatively connected
with the rechargeable battery unit 50 of the charger 110. A power control
button 118 is provided to control operation of the flashlight portion
180. The button 118 is also operatively connected to the internal battery
unit 50 so that when the button 118 is pressed to turn the flashlight 180
"On," the flashlight 180 is powered by the internal battery unit 50 of
the charger 110.

[0060] Another embodiment of a portable charger unit 210 with a flashlight
portion 280 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-12. As shown, the charger 210
comprised a charger housing 212 having a power connection port 214 that
operates as a two-way interface, as described above. The flashlight
portion 280 comprises a flashlight bulb or bulbs 282 at one end of the
charger housing 212--preferably, at least one LED bulb 282 mounted within
the charger housing 212 that is operatively connected to the internal
battery unit 50 of the charger 210, with a magnifier lens 284 provided on
the end of the housing 212 to project light from the charger 210 for use
as a flashlight. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a first power control switch
218 is provided to control operation of the flashlight portion 280 and a
second dedicated power control button 219 is provided to control
operation of the charger unit 210. The switch 218 and button 219 are both
operatively connected to the internal battery unit 50 so that when the
switch 218 is moved to turn the flashlight 280 "On," the flashlight 280
is powered by the internal battery unit 50 of the charger 210, and
likewise when the button 219 is pressed to turn the charger 210 "On," a
charge is supplied from the internal battery unit 50 to the power
connection port 214.

[0061] Another embodiment of a portable charger unit 310 with a flashlight
portion 380 is illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown, the charger 310 includes
a charger housing 312 and a flashlight portion 380 in the general form of
a cap 386 housing one or more flashlight bulbs 382, that is removably
connected to the charger housing 312. The charger housing 312 also
comprises a power connection port 314 operatively connected with a
rechargeable battery unit 50 disposed within the charger housing 312. The
flashlight portion 380 of the charger unit 310 includes a connection
interface 388 that is removably connected to the power connection port
314. For example, as illustrated, the power connection port 314 comprises
a USB port, and the flashlight portion 380 includes a male USB plug 388
adapted for insertion into the USB port on the charger housing 312. In
use, when the flashlight portion 380 is attached to the charger housing
312 via the power connection port 314, the flashlight 380 can be powered
by the internal battery 50 of the charger unit 310 and turned on and off
via a flashlight power control button 318 included on the flashlight
portion 380. When the flashlight portion 380 is removed from the charger
housing 312, the power connection port 314 is exposed for connection to
an external power source, at least one electronic device, or both. A
power control button 319 for the charger 319 may also be provided to
control operation of the charger 310 apart from the flashlight portion
380. In embodiments of the present invention, the flashlight portion 380
can remain connected to the charger housing 312 by some means, for
example by a tether 390, even when disengaged from the power connection
port 314, so that the flashlight portion 380 is not easily lost or
misplaced when the charger unit 310 is being recharged or connected to an
electronic device.

[0062] In an alternate design of the charger unit 310, the flashlight
portion 380 can be connected to the charger housing 312 by another means
so as to not block or prevent use of the power connection port 314 when
the flashlight portion 380 is connected to the charger 310. For example,
the power connection port 314 can be provided on the side of the charger
housing 312. Additional means of contact can be provided--e.g.,
respective contacts provided on the charger housing 312 and the
flashlight portion 380--that create an electric connection between the
charger housing 312 and the flashlight portion 380 when the latter is
attached to the former.

[0063] In an alternate design of the charger 310 illustrated in FIG. 13,
each of the charger housing 312 and the flashlight portion 380 can
include its own respective rechargeable battery unit. Such a set-up is
schematically illustrated in FIG. 14. Thus, when the flashlight portion
380 is connected to the charger housing 312, for example, via the power
connection port 314, the flashlight battery unit 60 is recharged from the
charger battery unit 50. When the flashlight portion 380 is removed from
the charger housing 312, the flashlight 380 can be used separate from the
charger 310--for example, when the charger 310 is connected via the power
connection port 314 to an external power source, at least one electronic
device, or both. In this regard, the flashlight 380 can be used to ensure
that all the components, cables, connection ports, connector interfaces
and adapters can be connected and thus ensure proper operation of the
charger unit 310. In such embodiments, the second rechargeable battery
unit 60 is provided for the flashlight portion 380 of the charger unit
310 so that the flashlight portion 380 can continue to be used separate
from the charger housing 312, allowing use of the flashlight 380 while
the charger housing 312 is being used to recharge other devices or is
being recharged itself.

[0064] Though the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 13 illustrate a
power connection port as a USB interface, alternate interfaces can be
used without departing from the spirit and principles of the present
invention. For example, the power connection port can be a mini-USB port,
a micro-USB port, an AC/DC interface, or the like, and the flashlight
portion can be provided with a complementary male interface adapted for
insertion into the power connection port. Alternately, a power connection
port can be provided on the charger housing, while the power connection
between the charger housing and the flashlight portion can be created by
additional means of contact--e.g., respective contacts provided on the
charger housing and the flashlight portion that create an electric
connection between the charger housing and the flashlight portion when
the latter is attached to the former.

[0065] Referring again to FIG. 13, the charger housing 312 is also
provided with a spring-loaded hook or carabiner clip 392 for attaching
the charger 310 to clothing, a bag, or the like. The charger housing 312
can also be provided with a magnet (not shown) for increased
functionality, include for placing the charger unit in a car or office
for convenient positioning and ease of use.

[0066] Referring again to FIG. 6, the charger unit 10 comprises a
controller, including a processing unit 56, configured to execute
instructions and to carry out operations associated with the charger
unit. For example, the processing unit 56 can keep track of the capacity
level of the internal battery unit 50, store data or provide a conduit
means by which data can be exchanged between electronic devices, such as
between a smart phone and a computer. The processing unit 56 also
determines how an electrical charge should be directed within a charger,
especially when power connection ports with two-way charging interfaces
are provided on the charger.

[0067] In each of the illustrated embodiments, the charger housing
includes a power indicator means 70 that indicates the remaining capacity
of the internal battery 50 in the charger unit. For example, in an
embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the power
indicator means 70 comprises a single light that turns on when the
internal battery unit 50 is activated to provide a charge. In FIGS. 8, 9
and 13, the power indicator means 70 comprises a series of lights, which
can include more or fewer lights without departing from the principles
and spirit of the present invention, that light up to indicate the power
level of the internal battery 50. In operation, the processing unit 56
communicates with the battery unit 50 to determine how much capacity is
remaining in the battery 50. Upon determining the capacity level, the
processing unit 56 communicates with the power indicator means 70 to
provide the user with the appropriate signal for showing how much
capacity is remaining in the internal rechargeable battery unit 50. For
example, when the battery 50 is at full capacity (F), all the lights in a
series of lights will be lit up. As the battery power decreases, the
lights will correspondingly decrease by one as the power is used. If
there is no capacity left in the internal battery unit 50 (E), none of
the lights will be lit up, or an "empty" indicator may be lit up.
Alternately, a single light, such as shown in FIG. 1, can change color to
indicate the power level. For example, when the charge is high, the light
can be green; when the charge is medium, the light can be yellow, and
when the charge is low or exhausted, the light can be red. Still further,
the power indicator means 70 can comprise a digital interface that
provides a battery capacity level for the internal rechargeable battery
unit 50, or another known means of providing battery level information.

[0068] The power indicator means can also confirm that the internal switch
52 of the charger has been turned "on" by lighting up. As shown in FIG.
6, the internal switch 52 is operatively connected to the rechargeable
battery unit 50 and the power indicator means 70 via the processing unit
56. Once the switch 52 is closed to turn on the charger, the power
indicator means 70 will provide an indication that the charger is
operating.

[0069] Upon shut down of the charger unit, the power indicator means 70
will preferably indicate that the charger is being turned off--for
example, the lights will provide a sequential blinking signal. This
signal is useful when the charger is automatically shutting off after the
relevant batteries have been fully charged and a predesignated time delay
has elapsed, as discussed below.

[0070] The charger housing may include additional indicator means
providing additional information for separate functions of the charger
unit. For example, separate indicator means can be provided to indicate
that an electrical current is being supplied to one or more electronic
devices connected to the charger unit. Alternatively, a second power
indicator means can be provided to indicate that the charger is on or
off, especially useful in embodiments of the present invention utilizing
an automatic activation/deactivation logic that don't require a manual
power button. For example, the power control button 118 shown in FIG. 8
can include an LED ring 72 around the button 118 that lights up when the
charger is in use. Similarly, the button 219 shown in FIG. 9 can light
up--e.g., be backlit by an LED light--to indicate when the charger 210
and/or the flashlight 280 are in use. A similar indicator means (e.g.,
LED-backlit lightning bolt 74 in FIG. 10) can be provided on the other
side of the charger 210, again to indicate that the power charger is in
use. Likewise, the power control button 319 shown in FIG. 13 can light up
to indicate when the charger 310 is in use.

[0071] As illustrated in various embodiments herein, a portable power
charger in accordance with the present invention generally includes a
power control button or switch for turning the flashlight on and off.
This control button or switch may also be used to control operation of
the power charger itself--that is, to provide a charge to electronic
devices connected to the power charger, and/or to recharge the internal
battery unit 50 of the charger. A power charger in accordance with the
present invention may also have an automatic power control for use of the
internal battery 50 for recharging without departing from the spirit and
principles of the present invention or without affecting use of the
flashlight provided with the charger unit. In this regard, the charger
unit of the present invention can also include operational logic 52, as
controlled by the processing unit 56, that automatically turns the
charger on and off for operation. In preferred embodiments, the charger
unit turns on when an electronic device needing charging is connected
with the charger via a power connection port. As illustrated in FIG. 7,
the charger unit 10 includes an internal switch 52 disposed within the
charger housing 12. In a preferred embodiment, the switch 52 actuates to
an "On" position when an electronic device is connected to the charger
unit 10 via a power connection port 14. Once the internal battery 50 of
the charger unit 10 and the battery of any electronic device connected to
the charger unit 10 are fully charged, then the charger unit 10 will shut
off, preferably automatically, and more preferably after a predesignated
time delay. For example, the charger 210 illustrated in FIG. 9 preferably
utilizes an automatic on/off functionality, but also includes the power
control button 219 so that the user can manually turn the charger 210 on
and off as desired.

[0072] The processing unit 56 also preferably includes a timer for
automatically turning the charger unit 10 off if there is no device
attached to the unit 10 for a predetermined period of time, or if the
internal battery unit 50 of the charger 10 is fully charged, or if any
electronic device attached to the charger unit 10 is fully charged. In
this regard, the capacity of the battery 50 can be preserved. Preferably,
there is a time delay before the charger shuts down--for example, once an
action is complete, such as the internal battery unit 50 is fully
charged, the timer will begin a predesignated time delay, after which the
charger will turn off and the battery unit 50 will be deactivated. In the
case where the charger is being recharged from an external power source
and recharging electronic devices at the same time, the charger will wait
until all relevant batteries are fully charged before beginning the time
delay for shut off. As noted above, a manual on/off switch (such as power
control switch 18) can still be provided, and a user can manually shut
off the charger at any time as desired. Moreover, even when operation of
the internal battery 50 to recharge electronic devices connected to the
charger unit is automatically controlled by internal logic 52, such a
charger unit will preferably include a switch or button for controlling
operation of the flashlight portion of the charger.

[0073] The charger housing generally encloses various electrical
components (such as integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to
provide computing operations for the device. The integrated circuitry and
other components may comprise a power supply (e.g., the internal
rechargeable battery), a microprocessor and controller (e.g., a CPU),
memory (e.g., ROM, RAM, flash), a circuit board, a hard drive, and/or
various input/output (I/O) support circuitry. The electrical components
may also include components for sending and receiving data and media
(e.g., antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, etc.).

[0074] The processing unit 56 further includes a storage unit 58 that
provides a place to hold data or instructions for operation of the
charger unit and rechargeable battery unit 50, or data exchanged between
the charger unit, a computer, and electronic devices connected to the
charger unit, or memory needed for further operations of the charger
unit.

[0075] The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention
has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form
disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of
the above disclosure. The embodiments described were chosen to best
illustrate the principles of the invention and practical applications
thereof to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the
invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited
to the particular use contemplated.